MERSEYSIDE residents plagued by noise will be able to help a government bid to tackle it.

People in Liverpool and Birkenhead will be joined by others in 21 urban areas across the country in the new Whitehall initiative.

And in places where noise becomes unbearable for those living among it, ministers could take action to quieten things down.

The government today outlined plans to create “quiet zones” as they launched a new interactive noise map to allow residents to keep an eye – as well as an ear – on what is going on around them.

The scheme is designed particularly to monitor noise from industry, traffic, concerts and clubs.

The new website set up by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will provide “noise maps” of each area which residents, councils and planners can then use to draw up action plans to reduce unacceptable noise levels.

People in the affected areas will be able to key in their postcodes and see colour-coded maps highlighting high-decibel hotspots. The site will also show the number of people exposed to noise pollution.

Environment minister Jonathan Shaw said the idea would be a vital tool in tackling damaging noise pollution.

He said: “Transport and industry are a necessary part of modern life, but we need to look at what further practical steps we can take to make people’s lives more tranquil.

“These maps provide the most comprehensive snapshot yet of noise in our country, all at the click of a mouse.

“They will provide a springboard to go forward and tackle unnecessary and unreasonable noise pollution.”